NHBR About Town: Week of October 9, 2026
Business and event happenings around the state of NH
NHBR About Town: Week of October 9, 2026
Business and event happenings around the state of NH
1. Franklin Savings Bank recently announced $15,000 in grants to Winnisquam Youth Softball League to support the softball field renovation in Sanbornton and the construction of a field in Northfield to support 80 local families and girls ages 4-14. The project will increase access to field space to improve scheduling and consistency. The new fields will also serve as community gathering places for young athletes to develop essential life skills.
2. The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening of Needham Bank’s Salem branch at 16 Artisan Drive in Salem’s Tuscan Village with a ceremony. The bank also announced a $10,000 donation to both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salem and NeighborWorks Southern NH. Pictured: Needham Bank Chairman, President & CEO Joseph Campanelli (center); Greg Hill, WEEI Boston’s Sports Original (holding scissors); Needham Bank employees; and Southern New Hampshire Chamber members.
3. On Sept. 18, Rivier University dedicated Perreault Commons, a new green space at Rivier Village, for former President Sister Jeanne Perreault, who was Rivier president from 1980 to 1997. The space connects four residence halls named for Sister Jeanne’s leadership and service. Vice President for Student Experience Dr. Hank Parkinson spoke at the ceremony and Sister Annette Laliberte, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, offered an invocation and blessing.
4. On Sept. 17, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire presented Elliott Berry with the 2026 David P. Goodwin “Outstanding Neighbor Award” at Straw Mansion Apartments in Manchester. Berry was recognized for more than 50 years of leadership and advocacy to improve housing opportunities in New Hampshire. From left: NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire Executive Director Robert Tourigny, Berry, and NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire board of trustees member Dean Christon.
5. On Sept. 1, the nonprofit organization Beaver Brook Association held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate its new program and education building in Hollis. This new building, delivered by Bensonwood, is part of the first phase of a facilities plan, and will create classroom space to help support Beaver Brook’s environmental education programs.
6. Mary Seigle and Danielle Hanna, both managers of Elliot Health System’s cardiac intensive care unit, were recently recognized with a Patriot Award. They were nominated by Nicholas Boccia, RN, who also serves in the National Guard. The Patriot Award is presented by the NH Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which recognizes managers for supporting Guardsmen or Reservist employees.
7. This summer, during the third annual Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Earth Camp in Holderness, 15 youth spent a week exploring conservation, climate action, stewardship and sustainable living through hands-on experiences. A community open house was held at the end of the week. Campers prepared food that was locally sourced and presented their projects to staff and family. The organization’s impact will continue this fall through professional development for educators.
8. Meredith Village Savings Bank announced support for the nonprofit KidWorks Learning Center with the purchase of $25,000 in NH Community Development Finance Authority tax credits. The tax credit funding will help with facility improvements, such as installing an exterior foundation drainage system and an ADA-accessible ramp. The funding will also help create eight more childcare spaces. KidWorks provides affordable child care for Lakes Region families.
